The founder of Kingsport coined the phrase “The Kingsport Spirit,” which describes the relentless enthusiasm of its residents to make Kingsport a great place to live through its dedication to the community. This is what makes Kingsport feel like home. Living in Kingsport, TN puts you within minutes of the
Smoky Mountains, excellent fishing areas and several cultural venues. Hikers, kayakers and fly fishers often use Kingsport as a base camp because the city is surrounded by forests, parks, lakes and rivers, creating the perfect setting for outdoor lovers. Located near the Virginia/Tennessee line, Kingsport is within a short, scenic drive of Knoxville, Asheville, NC and Roanoke. The downtown area’s historical buildings, artsy shops and affordable housing make Kingsport an attractive city for families.
In recent years, Kingsport schools have earned a number of distinctions for high achievement, including a ranking on U.S. News & World Report‘s Best High Schools and Districts of Distinction. Kingsport City Schools comprises 13 schools, including one high school and a non-traditional school, with total enrollment of 7,100 students.
Many Kingsport-area children are located within the jurisdiction of Sullivan County Schools, which includes four high schools, seven middle schools, two K-8 schools and 10 elementary schools. The system’s total student population is more than 10,400.
Academic Village in Kingsport is home to the Kingsport Center for Higher Education, which consists of six institutions: East Tennessee State University, King University, Lincoln Memorial University, Milligan College, Northeast State Community College, Tusculum College and the University of Tennessee. This unique setup allows students to take courses from different colleges.
Residents of Kingsport enjoy high-quality medical care provided by a collection of hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices. These facilities include: Holston Valley Medical Center, Ballad Health System, Indian Path Medical Center, Holston Medical Group, Frontier Health and Associated Orthopaedics. CareChex recently ranked Holston Valley the No. 1 facility in the country for interventional carotid care. More than 450 physicians and 2,000 nurses, techs and support staff work at the hospital, which is part of the Ballad Health System.
The city’s proximity to some of the country’s top fishing, hiking and biking locations helps attract young professionals who keep Kingsport’s talent pool enticing to companies looking for new locations. PEAK, the city’s young professional organization, helps people network and find ways to become active in the community. The group hosts a series of guest speakers and in-house training to aid professional growth.
Kingsport’s rich history manifests itself every day through historical landmarks such as Netherland Inn and Exchange Place, as well as the lively downtown streets filled with local art, lofts, cafés, live music, and beautiful old buildings. Heritage, tradition, and patriotism are held close to the hearts of those who call Kingsport home.
